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La Cage aux Folles (play)
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 This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2009)
For other uses, see La Cage aux Folles.

La Cage aux Folles

Written by
Jean Poiret
Characters
Georges
 Albin "Zaza"
 Francis
 Salomé
 Jacob
 Mercédès
 M. Tabaro
 Zorba
 Laurent
 M. Languedoc
 M. Dieulafoi
 Mme Dieulafoi
 Muriel
 Simone
Date premiered
1973
Place premiered
Théâtre du Palais-Royal
Paris, France
Original language
French
Genre
Comedy; farce
Setting
a nightclub in St. Tropez, France.
La Cage aux Folles (French pronunciation: ​[la kaʒ o fɔl]) is a 1973 French farce by Jean Poiret centering on confusion that ensues when Laurent, the son of a Saint Tropez night club owner and his gay lover, brings his fiancée's ultraconservative parents for dinner. The original French production is premièred at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal on February 1, 1973 and ran for almost 1,800 performances. The principal roles were played by Jean Poiret and Michel Serrault. A French-Italian film of the play was made in 1978 (with two sequels La Cage aux Folles II (1980), directed by Édouard Molinaro and La Cage aux Folles 3: 'Elles' se marient (1985), directed by Georges Lautner.) In 1983, Poiret's play was adapted in the United States as a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and later refilmed in English as The Birdcage.


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La Cage aux Folles


Theatrical productions
1973 French play ·
 1983 musical
 

Original film series
La Cage aux Folles (1978) ·
 La Cage aux Folles II (1980) ·
 La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding (1985)
 

Film remakes
The Birdcage
 

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La Cage aux Folles (film)
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La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles (film).jpg
French release poster

Directed by
Édouard Molinaro
Produced by
Marcello Danon
Screenplay by
Édouard Molinaro
Francis Veber
 Marcello Danon
 Jean Poiret
Based on
La Cage aux Folles
 by Jean Poiret
Starring
Ugo Tognazzi
Michel Serrault
Music by
Ennio Morricone[1]
Cinematography
Armando Nannuzzi
Editing by
Monique Isnardon
 Robert Isnardon
Distributed by
United Artists
Release dates
October 25, 1978

Running time
97 minutes
Country
France
 Italy
Language
French
 Italian
Budget
FRF 7,000,000
($1.4 million USD)
Box office
$20,424,259[2]
La Cage aux Folles is a 1978 French-Italian film adaptation of the 1973 play La Cage aux Folles by Jean Poiret. It is co-written and directed by Édouard Molinaro and stars Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault. In Italian it is known as Il vizietto.


Contents  [hide]
1 Plot
2 Cast
3 Reception
4 Sequels and remake
5 Adam and Yves
6 References
7 External links

Plot[edit]
Like the play, the film tells the story of a gay couple – Renato Baldi (Ugo Tognazzi), the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin Mougeotte (Michel Serrault), his star attraction – and the madness that ensues when Renato's son, Laurent (Rémi Laurent), brings home his fiancée, Andrea (Luisa Maneri), and her ultra-conservative parents (Carmen Scarpitta and Michel Galabru) to meet them.
Cast[edit]
Ugo Tognazzi as Renato Baldi (voiced in French by Pierre Mondy)
Michel Serrault as Albin Mougeotte/'Zaza Napoli' (voiced in Italian by Oreste Lionello)
Claire Maurier as Simone
Rémi Laurent as Laurent Baldi
Carmen Scarpitta as Louise Charrier
Benny Luke as Jacob
Luisa Maneri as Andrea Charrier
Michel Galabru as Simon Charrier
Reception[edit]
The film (which was released in some parts of the US as "Birds of a Feather") won over audiences with its sight gags, uproarious complications, and a tender and touching conclusion. It played for well over a year at the 68th Street Playhouse,[citation needed] an art house cinema in New York City, as well as theatres throughout the country in both urban and rural areas.[citation needed] For years, it remained the No. 1 foreign film to be released in the United States;[citation needed] as of 2011, it is No. 9.[3]
Unlike many other non-English-language films,[citation needed] the English dubbing was done generally by the original cast.[citation needed]
The film holds a 100% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[4]
Sequels and remake[edit]

Question book-new.svg
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The film was followed by two sequels: La Cage aux Folles II (1980), also directed by Édouard Molinaro, and La Cage aux folles 3 - 'Elles' se marient (1985), directed by Georges Lautner.
A 1983 Broadway musical of the same name based on the play and the film was also successful.
In 1996, an American remake titled The Birdcage, directed by Mike Nichols, was released, relocated to South Beach, Miami, and stars Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.
Adam and Yves[edit]
La Cage aux Folles caught the attention of television producer Danny Arnold, who in 1979 pitched the concept of a weekly series about a gay couple similar to the one in the film to ABC. His planned title was Adam and Yves, a play on both Adam and Eve and a slogan used by some anti-gay groups. After months in development, Arnold realized that the concept was unsustainable as a weekly series, which led to the show getting dropped.[5]
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Hinckley, David (January 21, 2001). "Is Ennio Morricone cinema's greatest living composer?". Daily News (New York). Retrieved April 4, 2012.
2.Jump up ^ La Cage aux Folles at Box Office Mojo
3.Jump up ^ Foreign Language Movies at the Box Office. Box Office Mojo.
4.Jump up ^ La Cage aux Folles at Rotten Tomatoes
5.Jump up ^ Tropiano, p. 252
Tropiano, Stephen (2002). The Prime Time Closet: A History of Gays and Lesbians on TV. Applause Theatre and Cinema Books. ISBN 978-1-55783-557-4.
External links[edit]
La Cage aux Folles at the Internet Movie Database
La Cage aux Folles at Box Office Mojo
La Cage aux Folles at Rotten Tomatoes


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La Cage aux Folles II
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La Cage aux Folles II
La Cage aux Folles II FilmPoster.jpeg
Theatrical release poster

Directed by
Édouard Molinaro
Produced by
Marcello Danon
Written by
Jean Poiret
Francis Veber
 Marcello Danon
Story by
Jean Poiret
 Francis Veber (Dialogue)
Based on
Characters
 by Jean Poiret
Starring
Michel Serrault
Ugo Tognazzi
Marcel Bozzuffi
Music by
Ennio Morricone
Cinematography
Armando Nannuzzi
Editing by
Monique Isnardon
 Robert Isnardon
Studio
Da Ma Produzione
Les Productions Artistes Associés
Distributed by
United Artists
Release dates
10 December 1980 (France)
15 February 1981 (United States)

Running time
101 minutes
Country
France
 Italy
Language
French
Box office
$10,989,331
La Cage aux Folles II is a 1980 comedy film and the sequel to 1979's La Cage aux Folles. It is directed by Édouard Molinaro and stars Michel Serrault as Albin, (stage name ZaZa), the female impersonator star of a gay night-club revue, and Ugo Tognazzi as Renato, his partner of over twenty years.


Contents  [hide]
1 Plot
2 Cast
3 Critical response
4 References
5 External links

Plot[edit]
A spy plants a capsule of microfilm on Albin and from then on spies and government agents pursue him. Albin and Renato travel to Italy to hide at Renato's mother's farm. At each point along the way we see the straight world's reaction to Albin.
Cast[edit]
Michel Serrault as Albin Mougeotte/ZaZa Napoli
Ugo Tognazzi as Renato Baldi
Marcel Bozzuffi as Broca, chief of the government agents
Michel Galabru as Simon Charrier
Paola Borboni as Mrs. Baldi, Renato's mother
Benny Luke as Jacob, Renato and Albin's housekeeper
Giovanni Vettorazzo as Milan
Glauco Onorato as Luigi
Roberto Bisacco as Ralph
Gianrico Tondinelli as Walter
Giorgio Cerioni as Gunther
Nazzareno Natale as Demis
Antonio Francioni as Michaux
Stelio Candelli as Hans
Mark Bodin as Caramel, Albin's would-be replacement
Tom Felleghy as Andrew Manderstam
Critical response[edit]
The film was favorably reviewed by the critic Pauline Kael in The New Yorker: " La Cage aux Folles II has nothing to do with the art of movies, but it has a great deal to do with the craft and art of acting, and the pleasures of farce. Serrault gives a superb comic performance - his Albin is a wildly fanciful creation. There's a grandeur about Albin's inability to see himself as he is. And maybe its only in this exaggerated form that a movie about the ridiculousness and the tenderness of married love can be widely accepted now. At the end, after Albin has been kidnapped by the spies, Renato, who is nearby with the police, can't think of anything but his beloved Albin. And, suddenly, forgetting the danger, each starts running toward the other, and they meet between the two armed groups like lovers in an opera. One of the policemen watching their embrace is weeping. "It's beautiful," he says." [1]
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ Pauline Kael, Taking It All In, p.167 ISBN 0-7145-2841-2
External links[edit]
La Cage aux Folles II at the Internet Movie Database
La Cage aux Folles II at allmovie
La Cage aux Folles II at Box Office Mojo
La Cage aux Folles II at Rotten Tomatoes


[hide]
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La Cage aux Folles


Theatrical productions
1973 French play ·
 1983 musical
 

Original film series
La Cage aux Folles (1978) ·
 La Cage aux Folles II (1980) ·
 La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding (1985)
 

Film remakes
The Birdcage
 

 


Categories: 1980 films
French-language films
1980s comedy films
French films
French comedy films
French LGBT-related films
Italian films
Italian comedy films
Italian LGBT-related films
Films directed by Édouard Molinaro
Cross-dressing in film
Films set in France
Films set in Sicily
Films shot in France
Films shot in Italy
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La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding
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La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding

Directed by
Georges Lautner
Produced by
Marcello Danon
Written by
Marcello Danon
Marcel Audiard
Christine Carère
 Gérard Lamballe
 Georges Lautner
Philippe Nicaud
Starring
Michel Serrault
Ugo Tognazzi
Music by
Ennio Morricone
Cinematography
Luciano Tovoli
Editing by
Michelle David
Studio
Da Ma Produzione
Distributed by
Columbia TriStar Films (France)
TriStar Pictures (US)
Release dates
20 November 1985 (France)
14 February 1986 (United States)

Running time
87 minutes
Country
France
 Italy
Language
French
Box office
$345,280[1]
La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding (French: La cage aux folles 3 - 'Elles' se marient) is a 1985 comedy film and the third and final film in the La Cage aux Folles series. Unlike the first two films, which were directed by Édouard Molinaro, this third installment is directed by Georges Lautner.


Contents  [hide]
1 Plot
2 Cast
3 Release
4 References
5 External links

Plot[edit]
In order to inherit his Aunt Emma's large fortune (which includes a large chunk of Scotland), Albin must marry a woman and father a child, and Renato goes along with the plan in an attempt to save their St. Tropez nightclub. Albin consults marriage broker Matrimonia and tries to act like a conservative heterosexual, but all attempts to conform fail and he considers suicide. When all hope seems to be lost, Renato and Albin meet a suicidal young woman, Cindy, who decides that marrying Albin may be better than death.
Cast[edit]
Michel Serrault as Albin Mougeotte / "ZaZa Napoli"
Ugo Tognazzi as Renato Baldi
Antonella Interlenghi as Cindy
Saverio Vallone as Mortimer
Michel Galabru as Simon Charrier
Benny Luke as Jacob
Stéphane Audran as Matrimonia
Gianluca Favilla as Dulac
Umberto Raho as Kennedy
Release[edit]
As of October 2013, there is no existing DVD of the film in the US. A Region 2 DVD release was released in Italy in 2009 (under its Italian release title, "Matrimonio Con Vizietto"), but it does not include an English-language track.
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding at Box Office Mojo
External links[edit]
La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding at the Internet Movie Database
La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding at allmovie
La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding at Box Office Mojo
La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding at Rotten Tomatoes
New York Times review


[hide]
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La Cage aux Folles


Theatrical productions
1973 French play ·
 1983 musical
 

Original film series
La Cage aux Folles (1978) ·
 La Cage aux Folles II (1980) ·
 La Cage aux Folles 3: The Wedding (1985)
 

Film remakes
The Birdcage
 

 


Categories: 1985 films
French-language films
1980s comedy films
French films
French comedy films
French LGBT-related films
Italian films
Italian comedy films
Italian LGBT-related films
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TriStar Pictures films
Film scores by Ennio Morricone





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La Cage aux Folles (musical)
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La Cage aux Folles
LaCagePoster.JPG
Original Broadway windowcard

Music
Jerry Herman
Lyrics
Jerry Herman
Book
Harvey Fierstein
Basis
La Cage aux Folles by Jean Poiret
Productions
1983 Boston tryout
 1983 Broadway
 1985 Theater des Westens Berlin, Germany
 1986 West End
 2004 Broadway revival
 2008 West End revival
 2010 Broadway revival
 2011 U.S. Tour
Awards
Tony Award for Best Musical
Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical
Tony Award for Best Original Score
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music
Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival
Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival
La Cage aux Folles (French pronunciation: ​[la kaʒ o fɔl]) is a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein[1] and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman.[1] Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, it focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction, and the farcical adventures that ensue when Georges's son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents to meet them. La cage aux folles literally means "the cage of mad women". However folles is also a slang term for effeminate homosexuals (queens).
The original 1983 Broadway production received nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The success of the musical spawned a West End production and several international runs. The 2004 Broadway revival won the Tony Award for Best Revival, the 2008 London revival garnered the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. The 2010 Broadway revival was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. La Cage aux Folles is the only musical which has won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical twice and the only show that has won a Best Production Tony Award (Best Musical or Best Revival of a Musical) for each of its Broadway productions. A National Tour, based on the 2010 revival, began in October 2011 with George Hamilton as Georges and Christopher Sieber as Albin.


Contents  [hide]
1 Background
2 Synopsis 2.1 Act I
2.2 Act II
3 Characters
4 Productions 4.1 Original Broadway production
4.2 Original London production
4.3 2003 20th Anniversary Production
4.4 2004 Broadway revival
4.5 2008 London revival
4.6 2010 Broadway revival
4.7 National Tour (2011–2012)
4.8 International productions
5 Musical numbers
6 Recordings
7 Awards and nominations 7.1 Original Broadway production
7.2 2004 Broadway revival
7.3 2008 London revival
7.4 2010 Broadway revival
8 See also
9 Notes
10 References
11 External links

Background[edit]
Allan Carr, who had produced the successful film adaptation of Grease (1978), was eager to work in theatre and thought a musical version of the hit 1978 film La Cage aux Folles would be an ideal vehicle for his Broadway debut.[2] However, he was unable to secure the rights to the film and was forced to settle for the rights to the original play only.[3] Carr hired Jay Presson Allen to write the book and Maury Yeston to compose the score for The Queen of Basin Street, an Americanized version set in New Orleans. With Mike Nichols set to direct and Tommy Tune on board as choreographer, Carr searched for executive producers and found them in Fritz Holt and Barry Brown, who immediately fired the entire creative team that Carr had assembled. All of them eventually filed lawsuits, but Yeston alone won and later collected a small royalty from La Cage.[4]
Holt and Brown had produced the 1974 revival of Gypsy directed by Arthur Laurents, and they approached him with an offer to direct their new venture. Laurents was not a fan of drag or camp entertainment and thought Holt and Brown never would find enough investors to finance a gay-themed project at a time when, during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, homophobia was more intense than ever.[5] He agreed only because Holt and Brown were close friends and he wanted them to remain on Carr's payroll as long as possible, but his interest grew when he learned Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman had committed to the project.[6]
According to Laurents, when he met with Fierstein and Herman for the first time, they had restored both the title and locale of the original play but had neither a script nor even an outline for the plot. All they had was the Herman song "I Am What I Am," and Laurents immediately envisioned it as an emotional outburst sung at the close of the first act. Laurents further claims that when he explained his concept to Fierstein and Herman, he inspired the direction they took in writing the musical.[6] Herman tells a very different story in an interview included in the original cast CD. He claims that they were well into the collaboration when Fierstein arrived one day with an emotional fiery scene he had written for the end of Act I that included the words "I am what I am." Delighted, Herman asked to use the five words, boasting he would have a song by morning, which he did. With gay-activist Fierstein and the political Laurents on board, the show could have "become a polemic diatribe on gay rights."[5] However, Herman was a moderating influence. Having suffered a series of disappointments with darker-themed shows since 1969, he was eager to score a hit with a mainstream, emotional, optimistic song-and-dance entertainment that middle-class audiences would enjoy.[5] The team opted to create "a charming, colorful, great-looking musical comedy - an old-fashioned piece of entertainment," as Herman recalled in his memoir Showtune.[7] By "delivering their sentiments in a sweetly entertaining manner", the team was able to convey their gay-themed message with more impact than they could have with a more aggressive approach.[8]
Fierstein, Herman and Laurents met daily in Herman's Manhattan townhouse to work on the musical. Because they were limited to using only the Poiret play as a source, they were unable to include the character of Jean-Michel's birth mother, who had been created for the film. They focused the plot on the fact that the relationship of Georges and Albin seems so natural that the boy is able to accept a man as his "mother".[9] The three men agreed that Albin needed to be as glamorous an entertainer as possible, and Theoni V. Aldredge was hired as costume designer to achieve their goal.[10]
The producers agreed to a Boston tryout, and just prior to the second preview (the first was cancelled due to problems with the mechanized set),[11] Herman had a panic attack prompted by his fear that the city probably was too conservative to embrace a gay-themed musical, albeit one designed for a mainstream audience. The Boston crowds gave the show an enthusiastic reception.[12] Fierstein, Herman and Laurents were also concerned that this was essentially a love story in which the lovers barely touched each other. Fierstein suggested they kiss on the cheeks at the end, and Laurents, citing the common custom of French men kissing each other on both cheeks, agreed.[13]
George Hearn as Albin had the showier role and many of the big musical numbers. His character was fully drawn, and behind the drag performer, the audience could see "a person driven to take a stand for himself – a notion that all people could relate to."[8] In contrast, during rehearsals, everyone had supported firing Gene Barry, who was considered adequate but never outstanding as Georges, but finding a replacement proved to be difficult. Finally, just before opening night, Laurents directed him always to look into Hearn's eyes, whenever the two men were on stage, so the audience would sense the depth of the couple's feelings for each other. The director also had Georges introduce the various club acts with more of a flourish, "like an aria that will land like a musical number." Both of these last-minute stage directions enabled Barry to get a better grasp of his character.[14] Barry went on to get a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a musical for his efforts, Co-Star Hearn took home the trophy.
According to theatre historian John Kenrick, La Cage aux Folles helped make the 1983 Broadway season an especially strong one. He noted that following La Cage and Big River in 1985, for "the first time since Oklahoma, a full decade would go by before a new American musical would pass the 1,000-performance mark."[15]
Synopsis[edit]
Act I[edit]
Georges, the master of ceremonies, welcomes the audience to his St. Tropez drag nightclub, "La Cage aux Folles". The chorus line known as Les Cagelles appear and introduce themselves to the audience ("We Are What We Are"). Georges and his "wife", Albin, have lived happily together for many years in an apartment above La Cage with their "maid" Jacob. Albin is a drag queen and the star performer of La Cage aux Folles under the alias of "Zaza".
As Albin prepares to perform ("[A Little More] Mascara"), Georges' 24-year-old son Jean-Michel (the offspring of a confused, youthful liaison with a woman named Sybil) arrives home with the news that he is engaged to Anne Dindon. Georges is reluctant to approve of Jean-Michel's engagement, but Jean-Michel assures his father that he is in love with Anne ("With Anne on My Arm"). Unfortunately, her father is head of the "Tradition, Family and Morality Party", whose stated goal is to close the local drag clubs. Anne's parents want to meet their daughter's future in-laws. Jean-Michel has lied to his fiancée, describing Georges as a retired diplomat. Jean-Michel pleads with Georges to tell Albin to absent himself (and his flamboyant behaviors) for the visit - and for Georges to redecorate the apartment in a more subdued fashion. Jean-Michel also asks Georges to invite Sybil, who has barely seen him since his birth, to dinner in Albin's stead. Albin returns from the show to greet his son when Georges suggests that they take a walk ("With You on My Arm").
Georges takes Albin to the Promenade Café, owned by Monsieur and Madame Renaud, where he attempts to soften Albin's emotions before telling him of Jean-Michel's request ("Song on the Sand"). Before Georges can break the news to him, Albin suggests that they hurry back to La Cage to make it in time for the next show. They arrive in time and Albin takes the stage once more as Zaza ("La Cage aux Folles"). While Albin is performing, Georges and Jean-Michel quickly redecorate the house. While Albin is changing for his next number, he notices the two carrying his gowns and demands to know what is going on. Georges finally tells Albin of Jean-Michel's plan and expects Albin to explode with fury, but he remains silent. Albin then re-joins Les Cagelles onstage, tells them to leave, and begins to sing alone in defiance of Jean-Michel, stating that he is proud of who he is and refuses to change for anyone ("I Am What I Am"). He throws his wig at Georges and departs in a huff.
Act II[edit]
The next morning, Georges finds Albin at the Promenade Café after his abrupt departure and apologizes ("Song on the Sand [Reprise]"). He then suggests to Albin that he dress up for dinner as macho "Uncle Al". Albin is still upset, but reluctantly agrees to act like a heterosexual for Jean-Michel. With the help of Monsieur and Madame Renaud, Georges successfully teaches Albin to abandon his flamboyancy ("Masculinity"). Back at the chastely redesigned apartment, Georges shows "Uncle Al" to Jean-Michel. Jean-Michel doesn't like the idea and expresses his dislike for Albin's lifestyle. Georges angrily reminds Jean-Michel of how good of a "mother" Albin has been to him ("Look Over There"). They then receive a telegram that Jean-Michel's mother Sybil is not coming and Anne's parents arrive ("Dishes [Cocktail Counterpoint]"). Hoping to save the day, Albin appears as Jean-Michel's buxom, forty-year-old mother, in pearls and sensible shoes. The nervous Jacob burns the dinner, so a trip to a local restaurant, "Chez Jacqueline", belonging to an old friend of Albin and Georges, is quickly arranged. No one has told Jacqueline of the situation, and she asks Albin (as Zaza) for a song, to which he hesitantly agrees ("The Best of Times"). Everyone in the restaurant begins to take part in the song, causing Albin to yield to the frenzy of performance and tear off his wig at the song's climax, revealing his true identity.
Back at the apartment, the Dindons plead with their daughter to abandon her fiancé, for they are appalled by his homosexual parents, but she is in love with Jean-Michel and refuses to leave him. Jean-Michel, deeply ashamed of the way he has treated Albin, asks his forgiveness ("Look Over There [Reprise]"), which is lovingly granted. The Dindons prepare to depart, but their way is blocked by Jacqueline, who has arrived with the press, ready to photograph the notorious anti-homosexual activists with Zaza. Georges and Albin have a proposal: If Anne and Jean-Michel may marry, Georges will help the Dindons escape through La Cage downstairs. Georges bids the audience farewell while Les Cagelles prepare the Dindons for the grand finale ("La Cage aux Folles [Reprise]"). Georges then introduces the Dindons, dressed in drag as members of the nightclub's revue, and they escape the papparazzi with Jean-Michel and Anne behind them. With everyone gone, Albin enters and he and Georges briefly sing of their love for each other before sharing a kiss ("Finale [With You On My Arm/La Cage aux Folles/Song on the Sand/The Best Of Times]").
Characters[edit]
Georges – Albin's partner, and owner of La Cage aux Folles, as well as compère.
Albin – Georges' partner, and the star of La Cage aux Folles as drag queen "Zaza."
Jacob – Butler (though he clearly prefers to be called a maid), and Albin's personal assistant.
Jean-Michel – Georges' son from a short-lived affair twenty-four years ago.
Anne Dindon – Jean-Michel's fiancée.
Monsieur Edouard Dindon – Anne's ultra-conservative father, and leader of the Tradition, Family and Morality Party.
Madame Marie Dindon – Edouard's wife and Anne's mother.
Jacqueline – Georges and Albin's friend and the owner of classy restaurant, "Chez Jaqueline."
Monsieur and Madame Renaud – Owners of the Promenade Café.
Francis – Stage manager of La Cage aux Folles.
Les Cagelles – The drag performers at La Cage aux Folles who also serve as background performers for Zaza.
Productions[edit]
Original Broadway production[edit]



 George Hearn in the Original Broadway Production of La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on August 21, 1983. It was directed by Arthur Laurents and choreographed by Scott Salmon, with set design by David Mitchell, costume design by Theoni V. Aldredge, and lighting design by Jules Fisher. The original Broadway cast included Gene Barry as Georges and George Hearn as Albin, with John Weiner as Jean-Michel, Walter Charles as M. Renaud, Jay Garner as Edouard Dindon, Merle Louise as Mme. Dindon, Elizabeth Parrish as Jacqueline, Leslie Stevens as Anne, and William Thomas, Jr. as Jacob.[16] Among the replacement performers who appeared in La Cage aux Folles during its original Broadway run were Walter Charles, Keene Curtis, Van Johnson, Peter Marshall, Keith Michell and Lee Roy Reams.[16] The original production received nine Tony Award nominations, winning a total of six including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. The show beat several strong competitors in many categories, including Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. It also won three Drama Desk Awards. The production ran for four years and 1,761 performances, closing on November 15, 1987.[16] After the great success of the production's opening night, Herman felt vindicated. He "had nothing else to prove" to his critics and "vowed never to write another show for Broadway".[17]
Original London production[edit]
The show had its West End premiere at the London Palladium on May 7, 1986 with the same creative team as the Broadway production. Hearn transferred with the production, which was made possible through an agreement with the American and British actors' unions, allowing him to come over in exchange for Robert Lindsay appearing in Me and My Girl on Broadway.[18] The production also starred Denis Quilley as Georges,[19] Jonathon Morris as Jean-Michel, Richard Owens as M. Renaud, Brian Glover as Edouard Dindon, Julia Sutton as Mme. Dindon, Phyllida Law as Jacqueline, Wendy Roe as Anne, Donald Waugh as Jacob, Martin J Barker as Chantal and Jerry Lane as Mercedes[20] The show closed in London after 301 performances. Its short run and financial failure were partly blamed on the AIDS crisis, and producers were uncomfortable about portraying gay lives onstage quite so openly in mainstream musicals for some time afterwards.[21]
2003 20th Anniversary Production[edit]
HOFSTRA USA Produced a 20th Anniversary Production of "La Cage aux Folles" at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse that ran the entire month of August 2003 and was extended for an additional 3 Performances. The Production was Directed & Choreographed by Gary John LaRosa and Stage Managed by Joe Gladstone & Flora Biagi. The Production featured a 27 Pieces Orchestra; the Original Broadway Costumes and Starred Michael Allen Gray as "Georges" and Cas Marino as "Albin.
2004 Broadway revival[edit]
The first Broadway revival opened at the Marquis Theatre, beginning previews on November 11, 2004, with an official opening on December 9, 2004. The production team included Jerry Zaks as director, Jerry Mitchell as choreographer, Scott Pask, Donald Holder and William Ivey Long as designers. The cast included Gary Beach as Albin, Daniel Davis as Georges, Gavin Creel as Jean-Michel, Merwin Foard as M. Renaud, Michael Mulheren as Edouard Dindon, Linda Balgord as Mme. Dindon, Ruth Williamson as Jacqueline, Angela Gaylor as Anne, and Michael Benjamin Washington as Jacob.[22] Robert Goulet replaced Davis as Georges on April 15, 2005 and played the role until the production closed. Reviews for the production were mixed, with The New York Times stating that it "often gives the impression of merely going through the motions, amiably but robotically, of its gag-laden, sentimental plot", yet praised Les Cagelles, who "bring acrobatic oomph and angularity to centerpieces that include an aviary of exotic, back-flipping birds and a vigorous Montmartre-style can-can. As long as the Cagelles are doing their thing, your attention stays thoroughly engaged".[23] The revival won numerous Tony and Drama Desk awards. The production closed on June 26, 2005. Ticket sales for the show had not increased after winning the Tony Award, and the show had been consistently selling at less than 60% capacity in the months prior to closing.[24][25]
2008 London revival[edit]
A scaled-down London revival, starring Philip Quast and Douglas Hodge opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory on January 8, 2008, and played there until March 8, 2008.[26] The cast also included Neil McDermott, Iain Mitchell and Una Stubbs, with direction by Terry Johnson and choreography by Lynne Page. The production had originally been scheduled to open in December 2007, but it was delayed twice due to illness within the cast. By the time the production officially opened, all remaining performances had sold out. The show opened to mostly positive press with particular praise for Hodge's performance as Albin.[27]



Les Cagelles in the 2008 West End revival.
The Menier Chocolate Factory production transferred to the West End on October 20, 2008 at the Playhouse Theatre co-produced with Sonia Friedman Productions, Robert G. Bartner, David Ian Productions, The Ambassador Theatre Group, Matthew Mitchell and Jamie Hendry Productions. It was initially advertised as a "Strictly Limited 12 Week Season",[28] although this became open-ended due to its success.[29] Hodge reprised his role as Albin, joined by Denis Lawson as Georges.[30] The cast also included Iain Mitchell as M Renaud/Edouard Dindon, Paula Wilcox as Mme. Ranaud/Mme. Dindon and Tracie Bennett as Jacqueline. The production gathered rave reviews, with high praise again for Hodge and Les Cagelles. Whatsonstage.com commented: "A great Broadway show has been re-born as a classic musical comedy with real punch and pizzazz." Michael Billington of The Guardian reported that the show had improved with its transfer to the West End from the Menier Chocolate Factory.[31] The 2008 West End cast appeared as a guest act for the Royal Variety Performance 2008, staged at the London Palladium on December 11, 2008, in the presence of senior members of the Royal family[32] The production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, and Hodge won for Best Actor, out of a total of seven nominations. The roles of Albin and Georges have been re-cast in London every three months with well-known actors to keep the production fresh and public interest high. Television personality Graham Norton took over the role of Albin on January 19, 2009, alongside Steven Pacey as Georges.[33] They were succeeded on May 4, 2009, by theatre veterans Roger Allam as Albin and Philip Quast reprising his role of Georges from the Menier Chocolate Factory.[34] From September 12, 2009, until November 28, 2009, John Barrowman and Simon Burke played the roles of Albin and Georges respectively.[35] Douglas Hodge as Albin and Denis Lawson as Georges returned to the production from 30 November 2009, until the production closed on January 2, 2010.[36]
2010 Broadway revival[edit]
A transfer of the 2008 London revival to Broadway began previews at the Longacre Theatre on April 6, 2010, and officially opened on April 18, 2010. Johnson and Page direct and choreograph. Douglas Hodge reprises the role of Albin. Kelsey Grammer stars as Georges, in his debut in a Broadway musical (he has previously performed Shakespeare on Broadway). The set design is by Tim Shortall, costumes by Matthew Wright, lighting by Nick Richings, and scaled down eight-player orchestrations by Jason Carr.[37] The production received positive reviews, many praising the scaled-down nature of the production and the performances of newcomers Douglas Hodge and Kelsey Grammer as Albin and Georges.[38] Besides Grammer and Hodge, the cast features A.J Shively in his Broadway debut as Jean-Michel, Robin de Jesus as Jacob, Fred Applegate as M. Renaud/M. Dindon, Veanne Cox as Mme. Renaud/Mme. Dindon, Christine Andreas as Jacqueline and Elena Shaddow as Anne. The Cagelles include Nick Adams, Logan Keslar, Sean Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Cunningham, Terry Lavell and Yurel Echezarreta. The production received 11 Tony Award nominations and won Best Musical Revival, Best Actor in a Musical (Douglas Hodge) and Best Direction of a Musical. A cast recording of the revival was made by PS Classics and was released on September 28, 2010. The production closed on May 1, 2011, after 433 performances and 15 previews.
Notable replacementsAllyce Beasley replaced Veanne Cox as Mme. Renaud/Mme. Dindon on September 14, 2010.
Jeffrey Tambor replaced Kelsey Grammer as Georges on February 15, 2011, but withdrew from the production following the February 24, 2011, performance. Chris Hoch, who normally played Francis, and also served as an understudy for the leads assumed the role of Georges until a permanent replacement was found.[39]
Harvey Fierstein replaced Douglas Hodge as Albin/Zaza on February 15, 2011.
Wilson Jermaine Heredia replaced Robin de Jesus as Jacob on February 15, 2011.
Michael McShane replaced Fred Applegate as M. Renaud/M. Dindon on February 15, 2011.
Christopher Sieber replaced Jeffrey Tambor as Georges on March 11, 2011.
Veanne Cox returned to the role of Mme. Renaud/Mme. Dindon on April 5, 2011.
Heather Lindell replaced Elena Shaddow in the role of Anne on April 5, 2011.
National Tour (2011–2012)[edit]
A national tour modeled after the 2010 Broadway Revival began in September 2011 starting in Des Moines, Iowa. At first, Mr. Fierstein was asked to play the role of Georges and Mr. Sieber was asked to play the role of Albin, each taking the role each other had played on Broadway. Due to a full schedule, as having to write the book of the Disney musical Newsies and the musical Kinky Boots, Mr. Fierstein had to decline this offer. This tour starred George Hamilton in the role of Georges and Christopher Sieber as Albin. Sieber, who was very critically praised for his portrayal of Albin, had previously played the role of 'Georges' on Broadway opposite Harvey Fierstein. This was Sieber's national tour debut.[40][41]
International productions[edit]
1985 Australian production
The 1985 Australian production starred Keith Michell (as Georges) and Jon Ewing (as Albin).[42]
1985 German production
The German production opened at the Theater des Westens in Berlin on October 23, 1985 starring Helmut Baumann as Albin/Zaza, Gunther Konig as Georges and Steve Barton as Jean-Michel. It played for 301 performances. In 1986, Steve Barton, who opened the show as Jean-Michel, took over the role of Albin/Zaza.
1993 Mexican production
The Mexico City production ran for two and a half years at the Teatro Silvia Pinal and starred Javier Díaz Dueñas as Albin/Zaza and Gustavo Rojo as Georges.
2001 Spanish production
The Spanish production premiered at the Teatro Nuevo Apolo in Madrid and starred Andrés Pajares as Albin, Joaquín Kremel as Georges and Jacobo Dicenta as Jean-Michel.
2009 Portuguese production
The show opened in Portugal at the Rivoli Theatre in Porto on April 2009 with Carlos Quinta as Georges (Armando del Carlos) and José Raposo as Albin (Carlos Alberto/Zazá)[43]
2010 Dutch production
A Dutch production premiered in November 2010 and is still running in Amsterdam.[44]
2012 Korean production
The Korean production ran in Seoul in 2012 for two months [45]
2013 Danish production
A new Danish production opened in the spring 2013 it the Aarhus Theatre starring Niels Ellegaard (Georges) and Anders Baggesen (Albin).
2013 Panama production
The show opened in Panama City on June 2013 at the Teatro en Círculo. It stars Edwin Cedeño (Albin/Zaza) and Aaron Zebede (Georges).[46]
2013 Puerto Rican production
The Puerto Rican production premiered on August 16, 2013 at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in San Juan, starring Rafael José as Albin and Braulio Castillo, Jr. as Georges, with Ulises Santiago de Orduña as Jean-Michel. Junior Álvarez as M. Renaud/Edouard Dindon, Sara Jarque as Mme. Dindon/Marie Dindon, Deddie Romero as Jacqueline, Andrea Méndez as Anne, and Bryan Villarini as Jacob[47][48]
2013 Queenstown New Zealand
1 week only, in conjunction with Gay Ski Week. Premiere 1 Sep.
2013 Swedish production
The Swedish production premiered on September 7, 2013 at the The Göteborg Opera in Gothenburg, starring Mikael Samuelson as Albin/Zaza and Hans Josefsson as Georges.[49]

 Other foreign language productions have played in Copenhagen, Oslo (twice), Bergen, Vienna, Italy, Turku, Helsinki (twice), Buenos Aires, Stockholm, Bogotá, Tallinn, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo.[citation needed].
Musical numbers[edit]
Note: Original Broadway production[50]
Act IPrelude – Orchestra
"We Are What We Are" – Georges and Les Cagelles
"(A Little More) Mascara" – Albin and Les Cagelles
"With Anne on My Arm" – Jean-Michel and Georges
"With You on My Arm" – Georges and Albin
"Song on the Sand" – Georges
"La Cage aux Folles" – Albin, Jacqueline and Les Cagelles
"I Am What I Am" – Albin
 Act II"Song on the Sand" (Reprise) – Georges and Albin
"Masculinity" – Georges, Albin, Monsieur Renaud, Madame Renaud and Tabarro
"Look Over There" – Georges
"Cocktail Counterpoint" – Georges, Edouard Dindon, Mme. Dindon and Jacob
"The Best of Times" – Albin, Jacqueline and Company
"Look Over There" (Reprise) – Jean-Michel
"La Cage aux Folles" (Reprise) – Georges
Finale – Company

Recordings[edit]
There are currently three cast recordings available for the show: the Original Broadway cast, the Original Australian cast and the 2010 Broadway revival cast. No recording was made for the 2004 revival.
Albin's Act I finale number, "I Am What I Am", was recorded by Gloria Gaynor and proved to be one of her biggest hits. It was also recorded by other artists, including Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett, Pia Zadora,[8] and John Barrowman . It also became a rallying cry of the Gay Pride movement.
Awards and nominations[edit]
Original Broadway production[edit]

Year
Award
Category
Nominee
Result
1984 Tony Award Best Musical Won
Best Book of a Musical Harvey Fierstein Won
Best Original Score Jerry Herman Won
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical George Hearn Won
Gene Barry Nominated
Best Direction of a Musical Arthur Laurents Won
Best Choreography Scott Salmon Nominated
Best Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge Won
Best Lighting Design Jules Fisher Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Book of a Musical Harvey Fierstein Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical George Hearn Won
Gene Barry Nominated
Outstanding Music Jerry Herman Won
Outstanding Lyrics Nominated
Outstanding Orchestrations Jim Tyler[disambiguation needed] Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge Won
Outstanding Lighting Design Jules Fisher Nominated
2004 Broadway revival[edit]

Year
Award
Category
Nominee
Result
2005 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical Won
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Gary Beach Nominated
Best Choreography Jerry Mitchell Won
Best Costume Design William Ivey Long Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won
Outstanding Choreography Jerry Mitchell Won
Outstanding Costume Design William Ivey Long Nominated
2008 London revival[edit]

Year
Award
Category
Nominee
Result
2009 Laurence Olivier Award Best Musical Revival Won
Best Actor in a Musical Douglas Hodge Won
Denis Lawson Nominated
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical Jason Pennycooke Nominated
Best Director of a Musical Terry Johnson Nominated
Best Theatre Choreographer Lynne Page Nominated
Best Costume Design Matthew Wright Nominated
2010 Broadway revival[edit]

Year
Award
Category
Nominee
Result
2010 Tony Award Best Revival of a Musical Won
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Kelsey Grammer Nominated
Douglas Hodge Won
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Robin de Jesus Nominated
Best Direction of a Musical Terry Johnson Won
Best Choreography Lynne Page Nominated
Best Orchestrations Jason Carr Nominated
Best Scenic Design Tim Shortall Nominated
Best Costume Design Matthew Wright Nominated
Best Lighting Design Nick Richings Nominated
Best Sound Design Jonathan Deans Nominated
Drama Desk Award[51] Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Douglas Hodge Won
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Robin de Jesus Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Terry Johnson Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Lynne Page Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design Matthew Wright Won
Outstanding Sound Design Jonathan Deans Nominated
See also[edit]
The Birdcage
La Cage aux Folles (film)
Notes[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b Brantley, Ben (March 28, 2011). "Her Sequins, Plumes and Foghorn Voice". The New York Times.
2.Jump up ^ Laurents, p. 115
3.Jump up ^ Laurents, p. 119
4.Jump up ^ Laurents, p. 118
5.^ Jump up to: a b c Bloom and Vlastnik, p. 176
6.^ Jump up to: a b Laurents, pp. 119-20
7.Jump up ^ Herman, p. 227
8.^ Jump up to: a b c Bloom and Vlastnik, p. 177
9.Jump up ^ Laurents, p. 122
10.Jump up ^ Herman, p. 233
11.Jump up ^ Laurents, p. 128
12.Jump up ^ Herman, pp. 239-40
13.Jump up ^ Laurents, p. 121
14.Jump up ^ Laurents, pp. 126-27
15.Jump up ^ History of The Musical Stage 1980s: Part II
16.^ Jump up to: a b c "La Cage aux Folles". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
17.Jump up ^ Bloom and Herman, p. 224
18.Jump up ^ Gerard, Jeremy (June 25, 1987). "2 Actors' Unions Wage Trans-Atlantic Battle". The New York Times.
19.Jump up ^ Billington, Michael, "A gay night at home with the boys", The Guardian, 9 May 1986, p. 12
20.Jump up ^ "La Cage aux Folles", Broadway World
21.Jump up ^ "I Love The Nightlife", The Stage, June 6, 2007
22.Jump up ^ IBDB Listing ibdb.com, Retrieved August 12, 2009
23.Jump up ^ Brantley, Ben (December 10, 2004). "Family Guys Who Are What They Are". The New York Times.
24.Jump up ^ "La Cage Will Close June 26 Despite Tony Awards", playbill.com, 2005
25.Jump up ^ Broadwayworld Grosses broadwayworld.com, Retrieved August 12, 2009
26.Jump up ^ 2008 Menier production britishtheatreguide.info
27.Jump up ^ "Is La Cage Another Menier Hit?", whatsonstage.com
28.Jump up ^ Promotional Leaflet
29.Jump up ^ "La Cage aux Folles extends London run", westendlondon.com
30.Jump up ^ Shenton, Mark. "Menier La Cage Begins Performances at West End's Playhouse Theatre Oct. 20", playbill.com, October 20, 2008
31.Jump up ^ Billington, Michael."Did Hodge Sparkle in La Cage?" whatsonstage.com
32.Jump up ^ Royal Variety Press Release 2008 eabf.org.uk
33.Jump up ^ "Graham Norton Joins La Cage", keithprowse.com
34.Jump up ^ "Allam and Quast to Lead La Cage" nationaltheatre.org.uk
35.Jump up ^ "Burke to Join Barrowman in London La Cage aux Folles", playbill.com
36.Jump up ^ Shenton, Mark."West End's La Cage Aux Folles to Shutter Jan. 2, Prior to Broadway Opening" playbill.com, November 11, 2009
37.Jump up ^ Gans, Andrew. "Open Up Your Closet: La Cage aux Folles Revival Opens on Broadway April 18". Playbill.com, April 18, 2010
38.Jump up ^ Brantley, Ben (April 19, 2010). "Squint, and the World Is Beautiful". The New York Times.
39.Jump up ^ BWW News Desk.Jeffrey Tambor Withdraws from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES; Understudy Steps in - For Now" broadwayworld.com, February 25, 2011
40.Jump up ^ Gans, Andrew."Broadway's 'La Cage aux Folles' Will Close May 1" playbill.com, April 6, 2011
41.Jump up ^ "George Hamilton to Star in National Tour" broadwayworld.com, April 25, 2011
42.Jump up ^ broadwayworld listing
43.Jump up ^ "La Cage Aux Folles Opens in Oporto, Portugal"
44.Jump up ^ [1], November 16, 2010
45.Jump up ^ [2]
46.Jump up ^ [3]
47.Jump up ^ Por primera vez, versión musical de La Jaula de las Locas en Puerto Rico - Noticel.com
48.Jump up ^ Braulio Castillo y Rafael José encabezan “La Jaula de las Locas” - Vocero.com
49.Jump up ^ http://en.opera.se/forestallningar/la-cage-aux-folles-2013-2014/
50.Jump up ^ "La Cage aux Folles (see Songs" Internet Broadway Database, accessed July 1, 2011
51.Jump up ^ Gans, Andrew."Red, Memphis, Bridge, Fences and La Cage WinJonathan Deans Drama Desk Awards" playbill.com, May 23, 2010
References[edit]
Bloom, Ken and Vlastnik, Frank. Broadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers (2004; revised paperback ed. 2008). ISBN 978-1-57912-313-0
Bloom, Ken and Jerry Herman. Jerry Herman: the lyrics: a celebration, Routledge (2003). ISBN 0-415-96768-6
Herman, Jerry and Marilyn Stasio. Showtune: A Memoir by Jerry Herman, New York: Donald I. Fine Books (1996). ISBN 1-55611-502-4
Laurents, Arthur. Mainly on Directing: Gypsy, West Side Story, and Other Musicals, New York: Knopf (2009). ISBN 0-307-27088-2
External links[edit]
Official website
La Cage aux Folles (musical) at the Internet Broadway Database
Rich, Frank (August 22, 1983). "Stage: The Musical 'Cage Aux Folles'". The New York Times.
Broadway World review of the 2004 revival
profile of the show
Photos from the original Broadway production
Profile of the musical with many links to the songs, albums and other information
Review of the musical at the Playhouse Theatre in London | November 3, 2008
Production, cast, and plot information from guidetomusicaltheatre.com
Background and other information about the musical
Playbill feature
Analysis of La Cage and its Broadway season


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The Birdcage
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The Birdcage
Birdcage imp.jpg
Theatrical release poster

Directed by
Mike Nichols
Produced by
Mike Nichols
 Neil A. Machlis
 Marcello Danon
Screenplay by
Elaine May
Based on
La Cage aux Folles
 by Jean Poiret
Francis Veber
Edouard Molinaro
 Marcello Danon
Starring
Robin Williams
Gene Hackman
Nathan Lane
Dianne Wiest
Music by
Stephen Sondheim
 Jonathan Tunick
Cinematography
Emmanuel Lubezki
Editing by
Arthur Schmidt
Studio
Nichols Film Company
Distributed by
United Artists
Release dates
March 8, 1996

Running time
118 minutes
Country
United States
Language
English
Budget
$31 million[1]
Box office
$185,260,553
The Birdcage is a 1996 American comedy film directed by Mike Nichols, and stars Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, and Dianne Wiest. Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Hank Azaria, and Christine Baranski appear in supporting roles. The script was written by Elaine May. It is a remake of the 1978 Franco-Italian film, La Cage aux Folles, by Jean Poiret and Francis Veber, starring Michel Serrault and Ugo Tognazzi.


Contents  [hide]
1 Plot
2 Cast
3 Soundtrack
4 Reception
5 See also
6 References
7 External links

Plot[edit]
Val Goldman and Barbara Keeley are engaged to be married, and wish to have their families meet. Val's father, Armand, owns The Birdcage, a South Beach drag club. His domestic partner is Albert, who appears regularly as "Starina", the show's star drag queen. Barbara's father is ultraconservative Republican Ohio Senator Kevin Keeley, who is seeking re-election as the co-founder of the "Coalition for Moral Order". Fearing their reaction if they learn the truth about Val's parents, Barbara tells her parents that Armand is a cultural attaché to Greece, that Albert is a housewife, and that they divide their time between Greece and Florida; she also changes the family's last name from Goldman to Coleman to hide their Jewish background.
Kevin receives a phone call telling him that Senator Jackson, Kevin's colleague and co-founder of the Coalition for Moral Order, has been found dead in the bed of an underage African-American prostitute; the event receives a large amount of coverage in the media. Louise Keeley proposes a visit to meet their new in-laws as a diversion to save Kevin's political career, and Barbara's marriage into a white, "traditional, wholesome" all-American family will give the Senator excellent public relations material. Barbara phones Val in South Beach about the lies she has told her parents. Val convinces Armand to go along with the farce. Armand has the house redecorated in an austere manner, and begins remaking himself as an unassuming, conventional, heterosexual American male. He contacts Val's biological mother, Katherine, and she agrees to join in the charade he is planning.
Despite the changes to the house and Katherine's help, Armand realizes that Albert's outlandish, effeminate mannerisms will reveal the true nature of the Goldman household. Armand asks Albert not to be present for the dinner party that evening; Albert is hurt and angry and threatens to leave Armand. A compromise is reached where Albert will act as Val's uncle, but this soon falls apart when Albert cannot convincingly pretend to be heterosexual. Another argument ensues and Albert locks himself in his bedroom.
As the evening draws nearer, Agador, the Goldman's flamboyant gay housekeeper, has been made into a butler and chef for the evening, despite the fact that he cannot cook and never wears shoes. The Keeleys arrive at Armand's residence, but Katherine, who is to attend the dinner, is stuck in traffic. Kevin and Louise are worried that Armand's nervousness is because he has heard about the Jackson scandal and is uncomfortable having the Keeleys in his house. Suddenly, Albert emerges dressed as a middle-aged mother. Armand and Val are horrified, fearing that Katherine's arrival will destroy the illusion. Agador has prepared nothing for dinner but a bizarre soup containing shrimp and hard-boiled eggs. Despite the many challenges facing them, Armand, Val and Barbara all act the part and interact with Albert as "Mrs. Coleman".



 The Carlyle hotel was used on set for The Birdcage
Before dinner, Louise notices that the soup bowls depict men in homoerotic poses in a classical Greek style. Armand insists that she is mistaken and promptly fills everyone's bowl with the soup before the Keeleys can take a closer look. The primary topic of conversation is politics and, despite many potential pitfalls, Albert wins over the Senator with a very right-wing tirade on the moral collapse of American society. Louise is still suspicious due to the terrible dinner and Armand's frequent exits from the dining room. Kevin defends Albert as a true lady and remarks that Armand is just a "pretentious European". Val leaves a note for Katherine on the front door informing her not to come inside, but two paparazzi photographers, hoping for a scoop, remove the note. Katherine arrives and introduces herself as "Mrs. Goldman". Kevin demands to know why there are two Mrs. Colemans; Val realizes that he cannot keep lying and pulls off Albert's wig, explaining to the Keeleys that while Katherine is his biological mother, Albert is his primary mother figure. Kevin and Louise are taken aback upon learning that Albert and Armand are gay Jewish nightclub owners. Louise breaks down and as Kevin announces that they are leaving, he demands that Barbara come with them. However, the Keeleys have been followed by paparazzi and are trapped as news crews arrive.
The Goldmans, Keeleys, Katherine and Agador consider the best plan of action. Val and Barbara explain why they deceived Kevin and Louise and are forgiven, but the Keeleys fear being tangled up in a scandal if spotted in a gay nightclub. Albert choreographs the Keeleys' escape by dressing them in drag and having them leave the club as the night's show ends. The plan works and none of the media crews recognize Kevin, Louise or Barbara. The group leaves South Beach with Katherine. Val and Barbara are married in an interfaith ceremony attended by both families.
Cast[edit]
Robin Williams as Armand Goldman
Nathan Lane as Albert
Gene Hackman as Senator Kevin Keeley
Dianne Wiest as Louise Keeley
Dan Futterman as Val Goldman
Calista Flockhart as Barbara Keeley
Hank Azaria as Agador
Christine Baranski as Katherine Archer
Tom McGowan as Harry Radman
Grant Heslov as National Enquirer photographer
Kirby Mitchell as Keeley's opportunistic chauffeur
Soundtrack[edit]
A number of songs written by Stephen Sondheim were used in the film. The song that Albert rehearses during the sequence with the gum-chewing dancer is entitled "Little Dream" and was written specifically for use in the film.[2] Albert's first song as "Starina" is "Can That Boy Foxtrot," cut from Sondheim's Follies. The song that Armand and Katherine sing and dance to in her office, "Love Is in the Air," was originally intended as the opening number for the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 1962. The song was cut from the show and replaced with Comedy Tonight.[3]
Reception[edit]
The Birdcage opened on March 8, 1996 and grossed $18,275,828 in its opening weekend, topping the box office.[4] It remained at #1 for the next three weeks before being derailed by the openings of Primal Fear and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. By the end of its 14-week run, the film had grossed $124,060,553 domestically and $61,200,000 internationally, coming down to a $185,260,553 worldwide total.[5]
The film holds a 77% "Fresh" rating at the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 43 critic reviews, which are summarized by the site thus: "Mike Nichols wrangles agreeably amusing performances from Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in this fun, if not quite essential, remake of the French-Italian comedy La Cage aux Folles."[6] The review aggregator Metacritic reported that the film received "generally favorable" reviews, with a score of 72% based on 18 reviews.[7]
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) praised the film for "going beyond the stereotypes to see the character's depth and humanity. The film celebrates differences and points out the outrageousness of hiding those differences."[8] The film was also nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.[9]
The film was nominated for American Film Institute's 2000 list, "100 Years...100 Laughs".[10]
See also[edit]
La Cage aux Folles, the original 1973 French play
La Cage aux Folles, the original 1978 French-Italian comedy movie
La Cage aux Folles, the 1983 American stage musical
Cross-dressing in film and television
List of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender-related films by storyline
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ http://powergrid.thewrap.com/project/birdcage
2.Jump up ^ Kimmel, Bruce. "The Birdcage". Sondheim.com. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
3.Jump up ^ "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ". Sondheim.com. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
4.Jump up ^ "Weekend Box Office: March 8-10, 1996 Weekend". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
5.Jump up ^ The Birdcage at Box Office Mojo
6.Jump up ^ "The Birdcage (1996)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
7.Jump up ^ "The Birdcage reviews". Metacritic.
8.Jump up ^ Calley, John (March 5, 1996). "GLAAD APPLAUDS 'THE BIRDCAGE'". GLAAD. Retrieved January 20, 2007
9.Jump up ^ "What to Watch: Thursday, September 1". GLAAD. August 1, 2011.
10.Jump up ^ "America's Funniest Movies". AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs. American Film Institute. 2002. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
External links[edit]
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Birdcage.
The Birdcage at the Internet Movie Database
The Birdcage at allmovie
The Birdcage at Box Office Mojo
The Birdcage at Rotten Tomatoes
The Birdcage at Metacritic


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Categories: 1996 films
English-language films
1990s comedy films
1990s LGBT-related films
American comedy films
American films
American LGBT-related films
American remakes of French films
Cross-dressing in film
Films based on plays
Films directed by Mike Nichols
Films set in Miami, Florida
Films shot in Miami, Florida
Interfaith romance films
LGBT-related comedy films
Screenplays by Elaine May
United Artists films






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